Pages

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Review: Monsoon Summer (Mitali Perkins)

Title: Monsoon Summer

Author: Mitali Perkins

Genre: YA

Pages: 272

Rating: 4 out of 5

Challenges: PoC, Shelves

FTC Disclosure: I bought this ebook for my iPad

Summary (I wrote this one): In Fifteen-year old Jazz Gardner leaves California for a life-changing summer in an Indian orphanage. She leaves behind her business and her best friend, Steve, whom she secretly likes. Will he find someone else while she is gone? Will Jazz find something else for herself while in India

Review: I love Mitali Perkins' books. Before this one I've read Bamboo People (one of my 2010 favorites) and The Secret Keeper so I was really looking forward to reading this one. While Bamboo People is still my favorite of hers, I did like this.

I have read mixed reviews of this book but to me, it hit the spot: relationships, travel, nice characters, and a good family. I really liked that Jasmine and her family got along, but not in a fake sugary way. They support one another, respect each other, and actually say what they are feeling and thinking. It's a nice break from all the YA books with non-existent or dysfunctional families. I also liked that Jasmine's family is so giving, to each other and to the wider world. They believe in volunteer work, giving of themselves, and helping those who have less than they do.

The relationship between Steve and Jasmine is also good and realistic. They have been best friends since they were little kids and have started a business together. They spend all their time together, but haven't gotten up the guts to take it any further even though Jasmine is definitely interested. It's refreshing to read a book with a male-female friendship that is so solid. I had that throughout school and really cherished my male friends (many of whom are still in my life 25 years later).

The third aspect that I enjoyed was Jasmine's coming into her own. It took a trip half way around the world for her to come into her own, but that's what travel can do for someone. You end up out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and try new things. We become less hesitant when we're away from home because we don't worry as much about what people will think of us.

I wish there had been a bit more sights and smells, more description of what Jasmine was seeing as she experienced India. But maybe that's because I am an adult. I don't know how teens feel about a lot description in books. I also think the book could have been a bit more deep and detail rich, but I definitely liked it and recommend it.

About Me...

I taught History and Government for 14 years, and was a Teacher Librarian for 4. I am now a Social Studies and Technology Integration Coach for my district. I love to read, do photography, play with technology, and travel!